Introduction to MySQL

Course Outline

This practical course provides the skills necessary to plan and create relational databases using MySQL, one of the most common database applications on the Internet.

It will enable web developers and database administrators to understand the technologies and practical considerations in creating appropriate MySQL databases for their applications. The course concludes with students devising and writing an outline for a web application and planning and building a suitable database on which to base it.

This complements the course Introduction to PHP Programming, which provides the skills necessary to integrate the database into a web application.

Delegates can also gain professional qualification credits towards a 60 credit University Certificate of Professional Development or degree from De Montfort University.

This module is worth 10 UCPD credits.

Overview

The course covers the following areas :

• Introduction to databases
  • What is a database?
  • Tables, fields and records
• Choosing and hosting a database application
  • Comparing MySQL with Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server and others
  • Installing and running your own MySQL server
  • Hosting your database on the Internet
• Working with MySQL databases
  • Using the command line
  • Using a client application (EMS SQL Manager)
  • Using a web interface (PHPMyAdmin)
• Creating tables
  • Choosing table types (MyISAM / InnoDB / other)
  • Choosing data types
  • Creating indices
• Creating relational databases
  • Understanding relational databases
  • Normalisation
  • Creating foreign keys
  • Planning relational database structure
• Querying data
  • Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Writing single table queries using SELECT
  • Writing multi table queries
  • Saving queries as views
• Updating tables
  • Writing SQL statements using INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE
  • Maintaining referential integrity
• Introduction to database administration
  • Database security
  • Backing up database structure and data

Overview cont.

• Where to go next - brief introductions to
  • Integrating with PHP
  • Stored procedures
  • Full-text indexing and querying

Who is it aimed at?

Individuals and business staff who want to learn to build flexible and dynamic web applications for themselves. This course is aimed at aspiring web site programmers rather than those who want a quick route to an online shopping application and is inevitably fairly technical. The course complements the course Introduction to PHP Programming, which provides the skills necessary to integrate a database into a web application.

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements for this course, although you should be comfortable with tackling technical subjects. Although a knowledge of PHP programming is required in order to integrate MySQL databases into web applications, this can be acquired either before or after this course by attending the course Introduction to PHP Programming.

Delivery method

The course is a 3 day fully trainer led course. To help reduce the effect on your business of losing a member of staff for 3 days, this course runs 1 day a week over 3 weeks. Delegates then have the time needed to absorb and implement the information gained during these intensive training days.

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